STAFF and children at Meadowpark School in Cricklade have been recognised by the NSPCC for raising hundreds of pounds for the charity every year.

It was one of only five in the UK named as an outstanding school of the year in the Childhood Champion Awards.

Every year the youngsters between the ages of two and four raise money by riding their bikes, trikes and scooters round a marked course on the school’s soft playground and raising between £700 and £900.

Headteacher Rajvinder Kular, who accepted the award from the Countess of Wessex during a special ceremony in London, said: “We love supporting such a worthwhile charity. Come rain or shine, our annual NSPCC bike ride has never been cancelled yet.”

It was one of 12 awards dished out by the organisation honouring the commitment of supporters.

The youngsters will also be wishing one of their teachers bon voyage this summer when she jets off to America to take part in a celebrated education programme.

Hannah White is one of a select band of Britons heading for the Discovery Education Summer Institute at the University of North Carolina.

Now in its 13th year, the institute connects teachers from around the world and enabled them to share the latest ideas and technology through professional development and networking.

Entry is by invitation only, and delegates are recognised as digital leaders.

Hannah said: “I felt so excited when I found out that I had been chosen to attend the summer institute.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting teachers from all over the world and learning about the different ways they approach education to get the most out of their students.

“I know that the experience will be like nothing before and I look forward to sharing the things I learn with the other teachers at my school.

“Hopefully I’ll come back with lots of enthusiasm to try out some new ideas in my classroom!”

Chris Nash, head of community at Discovery Education UK said: “We’re delighted to invite Hannah to join the 2018 Discovery Education Summer Institute.

“Her experience in the US will benefit the whole school, providing opportunities to work with teachers from around the world and bringing innovation to every classroom.”

Just five UK places were available at this year’s event, and British primary school teachers were invited to apply by making a video.

Entrants were asked to show how they were transforming teaching and learning in their classrooms, and the judges were particularly impressed with Hannah’s short film.